The LITECRAFT ICS ITALIAN CASTING STYLE PRO from hotfly was developed specifically for fly fishers who want to unlock the full potential of Italian Casting Style. It combines a fast, finely tuned action with excellent line control, allowing you to accelerate light fly lines dynamically and present your fly with precision at short, medium and longer distances.
The Pro version was once again created in close collaboration with S.I.M. (Scuola Italiana di Pesca a Mosca) and builds on the outstanding success of its predecessor. Working together with experienced casting specialists from the Italian fly-fishing school, the proven design was refined in several key areas. Particular attention was paid to an even more precise flex profile, improved feel throughout the cast and a completely redesigned handle section tailored to the characteristic hand position used in TLT.
A REFINED ACTION FOR EVEN GREATER CASTING PERFORMANCE
The characteristic action of the previous model has not been fundamentally altered for the LITECRAFT ICS ITALIAN CASTING STYLE PRO. Instead, it has been refined wherever additional performance could be achieved in practical use. The optimised flex profile allows the blank to load even more smoothly during the cast and transfer the generated energy precisely to the fly line. As a result, the rod responds more directly to your movements, provides an even clearer sense of what the line is doing and supports both exceptionally accurate presentations and greater casting distances.
Despite its impressive speed, the rod is neither stiff nor designed to flex only through the tip. Its action is deliberately fast and progressive: as the load increases, the blank engages progressively from the tip through the middle and down into the butt section. This carefully balanced action combines the line speed required for Italian Casting Style with a controlled and natural casting feel. At the same time, the rod retains enough power to handle a strong fish safely during the fight.
ITALIAN CASTING STYLE: KEEPING THE FLY UNDER CONTROL
Italian Casting Style is not simply about generating high line speeds or casting as far as possible. Its defining principle is the ability to control the fly line, leader and fly throughout the entire casting sequence. The rod tip is guided along precisely defined paths, while tight loops and a casting plane inclined towards the target enable a direct and controlled presentation. Ideally, the fly touches down before the line – an important advantage when presenting to wary fish in challenging conditions.This casting style has its roots in TLT – Tecnica di Lancio Totale, developed by Roberto Pragliola. S.I.M. has been dedicated to refining and teaching this technique since the 1980s. The LITECRAFT ICS ITALIAN CASTING STYLE PRO has been tuned specifically for its fundamental casts, specialised presentation casts and dynamic casting movements.
A COMPACT ROD WITH IMPRESSIVE REACH
At 7'6'' and rated for a #3 line, the rod may initially appear to be designed primarily for small, densely overgrown streams. Its compact dimensions certainly offer significant advantages in these environments: it is easy to control in confined spaces and allows accurate presentations beneath overhanging branches or between dense bankside vegetation.Its range of applications, however, extends far beyond small streams. With the appropriate casting technique, a light line can be accelerated to high speed, making precise casts at medium and longer distances entirely achievable. Presentations at 15 to 20 metres fall comfortably within its capabilities, alongside short, targeted casts in complex sections of water. The rod’s exceptional versatility becomes particularly apparent when you need to compensate for the effects of different currents on the line, cast around obstacles or reach more distant lies with precision.
UNLOCK ITS FULL POTENTIAL WITH A DT LINE
The LITECRAFT ICS ITALIAN CASTING STYLE PRO performs at its best with a #3 DT fly line. A particularly well-matched combination is the Guideline Fario CDC DT or the Cortland 444 Peach DT. Its consistent diameter behind the front taper makes it easier to control different lengths of line and supports the casting and presentation techniques characteristic of Italian Casting Style.If you mainly use conventional casting techniques and are accustomed to slower-action fly rods, a #4 line may make the transition to this model easier because it loads the blank more deeply at shorter distances. The rod nevertheless delivers its full dynamics, speed and precision with a suitable #3 DT line and the corresponding Italian casting technique.
NEW GRIP DESIGNED FOR THE TLT HAND POSITION
The entire handle section has been redesigned. Measuring just 150 mm, the slim cigar-shaped grip is made from premium-quality cork and features durable rubber-cork sections at both ends. Its compact profile, tapering towards the front, has been created specifically to support the characteristic enveloping grip used in TLT: the rod hand is positioned very far back and partially wraps around the fly reel as well as the grip.
This position brings your hand closer to the rear of the rod and enables particularly direct control. The grip and reel seat have therefore been designed to work together as a single functional unit. The reel sits far back on the reel seat, allowing the rod to rest comfortably and naturally in your hand when using the TLT grip. At the same time, the direct connection with the rod lets you transfer even subtle movements to the blank with precision.
INNOVATIVE REEL SEAT WITH A SECURE LOCKING SCREW
The reel seat combines a carefully considered functional design with an elegant cedar burl spacer. Instead of a conventional screw mechanism, it uses a specially developed locking screw that engages directly with the reel seat and holds the reel foot firmly and securely in place.
The corresponding pin features a thread divided into two sections. When the locking screw is loosened, the second threaded section retains it within the reel seat, preventing it from falling out accidentally while you are fitting or removing the reel. This is an especially useful detail at the water’s edge, where such a small component could otherwise easily go unnoticed if dropped. Pronounced knurling also provides a secure grip, allowing you to tighten or loosen the screw easily even with wet or cold fingers.
The lower end of the locking screw is finished with rubber cork. This durable section protects the reel seat when you carefully place the rod on the ground and blends harmoniously into the design of the new handle.
PREMIUM COMPONENTS, CAREFULLY MATCHED
The lightly sanded, unvarnished matt-black blank gives the LITECRAFT ICS ITALIAN CASTING STYLE PRO an understated, technical appearance. High-quality single-foot guides keep the overall weight low, allow the line to run smoothly and have minimal influence on the finely tuned action of the blank. The deliberately selected spigot ferrules support an even transfer of power between the three rod sections and preserve the harmonious flex profile. With a total weight of just 62 grams, the rod feels exceptionally light and responsive in the hand.
Red alignment dots make it easier to position the individual sections correctly when assembling the rod. If you already own the previous model, there is no risk of confusing its sections with those of the new Pro version: the alignment marks on the previous rod are white, whereas those on the LITECRAFT ICS ITALIAN CASTING STYLE PRO are red.
WELL PROTECTED ON THE WAY TO THE WATER
The three-piece fly rod is supplied in a sturdy Cordura transport tube. Three separate internal compartments prevent the individual rod sections from coming into contact with one another and allow them to be stored and removed quickly. The lower part of the tube features a waterproof plastic coating, so it can be placed on damp ground and any dirt can easily be wiped away afterwards.
DEVELOPED FOR DEMANDING CASTERS
The LITECRAFT ICS ITALIAN CASTING STYLE PRO is not simply a short fly rod, but a highly specialised tool for a dynamic and exceptionally controlled approach to fly casting. At the same time, it remains versatile enough to excel on small streams, larger rivers and wherever an accurate presentation is required in demanding conditions.
Its refined flex profile, improved casting feel and handle designed specifically for the TLT hand position make the Pro version a clearly noticeable evolution of the proven previous model. It is also backed by a 36-month warranty against manufacturing and workmanship defects, together with the option to return the rod within 30 days if it does not fully meet your expectations.